Machu Picchu, Peru

Displayed:   times.

Since MACHU PICCHU discovery on July 24, 1911, by north american Hiram Bingham, it has been considered one of the world's greatest architectural and archaeological monuments, due to its extraordinary magnificence and harmonious structure.

At 2,400 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l), in the province of Urubamba, department of Cusco, MACHU PICCHU surprises us because of the way its stone constructions are spread over a narrow and uneven mountain top, bordering a sheer 400 meter cliff side of the Urubamba River canyon.

MACHU PICCHU is a citadel shrouded in mystery, and to this day archaeologists have not uncovered the history and purpose of this city of stone. The site has an area of about one square kilometer, and stands in a region that the Incas considered to be magical, due to the meeting of the Andes mountains with the mighty Amazon river.

Perhaps, MACHU PICCHU mystery may never be fully explained as, so far, there are only hypothesis and conjectures. For some, it may have been an advance settlement for planned further expansions by the Incas. Others believe MACHU PICCHU have been a monastery where young girls (acllas) were trained to serve the Inca and the Willac Uno (HIgh Priest). Support for this theory comes from the fact that of the 135 bodies discovered while exploring the site, 109 were female.

The surprising perfection and beauty of MACHU PICCHU's walls, built by joining stone to stone without using any cement or adhesive whatsoever, has led to many myths developing around how the city was constructed .

It is said that a bird by the name of Kak'aqllu knew the formula for softening rock but by command, perhaps, of the ancient Inca gods, had its tongue torn out. It is also said that there was a magic plant which could dissolve and compress stone.

Nonetheless, mysteries and myths aside, the real attractiveness of MACHU PICCHU, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, lies in its squares, aqueducts and watchtowers, its observatories and in its sun clock, evidence of the wisdom and skill of the city's Andean builders.

Rate this tip:

Rate!

Add Comment >>

Your Name:

Your Comment:

General Tips about Peru

» Required travel documents for Peru
» Electric power
» Area code to Peru
» Shopping
» Hiking in Peru
» Roads in Peru
» Electricity
» Water and food
» People
» Climate in Peru
» Huaraz Area
» Machu Picchu
» Kuelap
» Piura
» Manu National Park
» Huancayo
» Chan Chan
» Ayacucho
» Understanding Peru
» What to see in Lima - Peru
» Cuzco
» Arequipa
» Lima
» Lake Titicaca

   More travel tips about Peru